抄録
The effect of swelling of jute fibers due to water absorption on mechanical properties of Jute Fiber Reinforced Plastics (JFRP) and GFRP were investigated under wet conditions. Interfacial shear strengths between fiber and matrix (UP : Unsaturated Polyester) in JFRP and GFRP before and after water absorption were also examined by the micro drop-let method. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of JFRP was almost constant even if water was significantly absorbed in the material although the strength of GFRP decreased in spite of slight water absorption. The test results also confirmed that the interfacial shear strength between jute fiber and UP was not affected by water absorption although that between glass fiber and UP remarkably decreased due to water absorption as already known. The swelling of jute fibers due to water absorption might also enhance the friction and adhesion bonding between fibers and the matrix.
